Bacterial Meningitis Information

Basics

Bacterial Meningitis Information (SB 1107)

This information is being provided to all new college students in the state of Texas. Beginning January 2012, all first time students and students that have not attended any Texas college or university during the 2011 fall semester that are under the age of 30 will be required to have the bacterial meningitis vaccination at least 10 days prior to the first day of the semester. Students will not be able to attend class until proof of vaccination is on file in the Admissions office.

The following is acceptable evidence of vaccination or receiving a booster dose:

The signature or stamp of a physician or his/her designee, or public health personnel on a form which shows the month, day, and year the vaccination dose or booster was administered;

An official immunization record generated from a state or local health authority; or

An official record received from school officials, including a record from another state

Bacterial Meningitis is a serious, potentially deadly disease that can progress extremely fast — so take the utmost caution. It is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the blood. This disease strikes about 3,000 Americans annually, including 100-125 on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths among college students every year. There is a treatment, but those who survive might develop severe health problems or disabilities.

There may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin. These can occur anywhere on the body. The more symptoms, the higher the risk, so when these symptoms appear seek immediate medical attention.

HOW IS BACTERIAL MENINGITIS DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis is made by a medical provider and is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood tests.

Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.

HOW IS THE DISEASE TRANSMITTED?

The disease is transmitted when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing, or by sharing drinking containers, utensils, cigarettes, toothbrushes, etc.) or come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions.

Living in close conditions (such as sharing a room/suite in a dorm or group home).

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISEASE?

Death (in 8 to 24 hours from perfectly well to dead

Permanent brain damage

Kidney failure

Learning disability

Hearing loss, blindness

Limb damage (fingers, toes, arms, legs) that requires amputation

Gangrene

Coma

Convulsions

CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED?

Antibiotic treatment, if received early, can save lives and chances of recovery are increased. However, permanent disability or death can still occur.

Vaccinations are available and should be considered for:

Those living in close quarters

College students under 30 years of age

Vaccinations are effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70 percent of the disease in the U.S. (but does not protect against all types of meningitis).

Vaccinations take 10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 5 years.

The cost of vaccine varies, so check with your health care provider.

Vaccination is very safe — the most common side effects are redness and minor pain at injection site for up to two days.

More Information

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?

Contact your own health care provider.

Contact the Ector County Health Department (432-498-4141), or your local health department, or use the search for services feature by calling 211 on your phone, or visit 211 Texas (https://www.211texas.org/211/).

Exemptions

The student has a right to claim an exemption from the vaccination requirement. To claim the exemption the student must provide one of the following:

An affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccination required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student; or

An affidavit signed by the student stating that the student declines the vaccination for bacterial meningitis for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. A conscientious exemption form from the Texas Department of State Health Services must be used.